Rabies Virus Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Rabies Virus - Research Paper ExampleThe RNP complex on with the the viral RNA is comprised of the proteins L (transcriptase), N (nucleoprotein), and NS (transcriptase-associated) (Rupprecht). These aggregate in the cytoplasm of virus-infected neurons and compose Negri bodies, the characteristic histopathologic decision of rabies virus transmitting. The M (matrix) and G (glycoprotein) proteins are associated with the lipid envelope. The G protein forms the protrusions that cover the outer draw near of the virion envelope and is the only rabies virus protein known to induce virus-neutralizing antibody (Rupprecht). Rabies virus can be either the fixed type or street (wild type) (Rupprecht). Incubation catamenia In dogs, the incubation percentage point is usually 3-6 weeks but it may range from 10 days to a year. In man, the incubation period is usually from 1-3 months though it may be as short as 10 days or as long as 3 years. Incubation period is usually short in persons bitten on the face or head and long in those bitten on the legs. Incubation period is shorter in children. (Ananthnarayanan) Reservoirs of infection and host range The rabies virus infects a wide range of hosts, including dogs and cats, raccoons, coyotes, skunks, foxes, bats, and human beings. Any homoiothermic animal can be infected with rabies however, some animals want wolves, foxes, and coyotes are more tractable (Ananthnarayanan) Transmission About 99.8% of report cases of rabies are due to bites of animals. The other forms of transmission that have been reported includes contamination of mucous membranes, faulty vaccines, corneal transplants, and aerosol transmission (Rupprecht) Signs and symptoms Rabies virus affects primarily the primaeval nervous system, and causes an acute infection. In humans, there are five clinical stages the incubation period, prodrome, acute neurologic period, coma, and death (Rupprecht) The prodromal period usually lasts from 2 to 10 days and clinical symptoms are branch noticed during this stage. The symptoms may include fever, general malaise, fatigue, cough, sore throat, dyspnea, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, dysphagia, abdominal pain, diarrhea, irritability, vertigo, headache, anxiety, nervousness and apprehension (Rupprecht). Some strong features like insomnia, nightmares, depression, increased agitation, photophobia, priapism, and increased libido, may also occur (Rupprecht). In that case, it suggests the presence of psychiatric disturbances encephalitis, or other brain abnormalities (Rupprecht). A pathognomonic feature in the acute neurologic period is difficulty in drinking together with intense thirst. Attempts to drink brings painful spasms of pharynx and larynx, producing choking that unhurrieds later develop a dread for even the sight or sound of water (hydrophobia) (Scheld & Whitley) In the acute neurologic period, the disease is categorized as dumb rabies if paralysis is the main clinical feature and as violent ra bies if the symptom of hydrophobia is the main clinical feature. Both types of rabies may show signs like focal and generalized convulsions, muscle fasciculations, hyperventilation, paresthesia, hypersalivation and nuchal rigidity (Rupprecht) After the acute neurologic period ends, the patient may develop a rapid, irregular type of breathing. Very soon, paralysis and coma develops. Unless ventilator support is instituted, the patient may